Report
Evostik Southern League Premier Division
Phillips 66 Community Stadium
Saturday 13th February 2016
The first rumblings of discontent could be heard around the Phillips 66 Community Stadium as Leamington tumbled to another disappointing defeat to fellow play off chasers Hitchin Town.
The afternoon was an incredibly frustrating one for those of a gold and black persuasion, whilst the visiting Canaries have propelled themselves back into the top five on the back of two successive wins. Their winner came courtesy of a stunning strike from Callum Donnelly on ten minutes, the midfielder thumping a volley over a stranded Tony Breeden from distance.
Not for the first time this season Brakes seemed to lack the ideas and spark to break their opponents down, something which was highlighted by their failure to trouble visiting keeper Charlie Horlock with a single shot on target over the 90 minutes.
The opening to the game had been bright enough, but the goal seemed to cause a loss of confidence as Leamington struggled to get through a well organised Hitchin back line. Jack Edwards did well to dummy a pass from Ben George inside the box, allowing the ball to run through for Richard Taundry, who unfortunately snatched at his shot when he had a little more time, the ball flying high and wide.
Sam Austin looked bright on his debut, the Burton Albion loanee showing some good touches in midfield, and it was he who had Brakes’ best effort of the half, making space for himself on the edge of the box with some neat footwork before curling a shot just past the angle of post and bar.
The lack of goalmouth action at both ends continued into the second half, Jamie Hood deflecting a low Hitchin effort that may have been goalbound behind for a corner, while James Fry came close for Leamington when he curled a low drive towards the far corner, the ball skidding just past the post.
Jonny McNamara headed straight at Breeden when well placed, while Connor Gudger scuffed a first time effort wide after Taundry’s challenge had ricocheted into his path.
Paul Holleran threw on Joe Magunda and Courtney Baker Richardson for his debut with just under 20 minutes to play, but like his new team mates he found it difficult to make any impression on the game.
Hitchin almost finished things off late on when McNamara beat Gudger in a race to the ball to go clear on goal, but he seemed to hesitate as Breeden advanced and the Brakes skipper did well to smother his shot.
It was difficult to argue that the visitors did not deserve their victory as they took one of few opportunities for either side during the afternoon, but in truth they were not made to work hard enough for it as Leamington did not test them enough going forward. This will surely be a concern to Paul Holleran as the team prepare to travel on Monday evening to a Hungerford Town side who have lost just once at home all season.
Attendance: 345
Leamington: Tony Breeden ©, Ben George, Connor Gudger, James Fry (15 Joe Magunda, 71), Jamie Hood, Jamie Tank, Sam Austin (16 Rob Ogleby, 82), Richard Taundry, Ben Mackey, Jack Edwards, Lee Chilton (14 Courtney Baker Richardson, 71).
Subs not used: 12 James Mace, 17 Ross Oulton.
Hitchin Town: Charlie Horlock, Kane Smith, Ben Walster, Alasan Ann, Dan Webb, Lewis Rolfe, Jonny McNamara, Callum Donnelly, Brett Donnelly, Robbie Burns, Lucan Kirkpatrick.
Subs not used: 12 Stuart Pearson, 14 Mason Spence, 15 Dominic Palmeiro, 16 Kieran Barnes, 17 Michael Johnson.
Referee: Mr Matt Wilkes
Assistant Referees: Mr Michele Gallo & Mr Jack Shepherd
Brakes Man of the Match: Sam Austin.
